There are ten different shots that can be used in a horror film which can help to create a professional looking clip which can create a sense of tension to make the audience feel on edge. These are:
Off kilter shot
This is when the camera is slightly tilted to the side. This can be used to create a dramatic effect and create tension as it may make the audience feel uneasy. this uneasiness is an example of showing that the character is in danger which is why it is a good shot to use when producing a piece of horror.
Over the shoulder shot of the killer
This shot may be used to show two different things. It may be used to show the fear of the victim from where the killer is standing. It may also be used to show that the victims are unaware of the killer's presence, as it has been used in our short film.
Close up/ extreme close up on victim
This shot may be used to show the fear in the victims face; this is an effective way of showing this as they take up the majority of the screen therefore the focus is on them. This shot helps the audience to empathise with the victim as they can see what they are going through with a clear view of their distress in their face.
Close up on the weapon
This shot is used to focus the audience's attention onto the weapon so they have an idea of what is coming therefore they can feel sympathy for the victim as they know what is coming. This may also be used to show a certain detail on the weapon as on occasions there may be a sign on the weapon which may give a hint as to who the murderer is.
High angle shot looking down on the victim
This shot is used to show the victim as being vulnerable as it makes the audience feel as though it is someone looking down on them which gives off the impression that there is a difference in power between the victim and the murderer. This makes the audience feel scared for the victims safety. This is a good shot to use when making a horror as it shows the murderer as being dangerous and builds up a tension as it suggests that the person looking down from this high angle is going to do something to the victim looking up.
360 degrees shot
This shot is used to show that the victim is worried as they are checking around them to see if anyone is there. This creates the idea for the audience that the victim is in danger as they are expecting something to be there when they are turning around.
Low angle shot of the killer
This is the opposite shot to the high angle looking down on the victim as it is the view of the victim looking up on the killer which like the high angle shows the killer as having more power than the victim. Also the view of the victim looking up at the killer creates the feeling that the victim is trapped.
Point of view of victim and killer as victim crawls away on their back and the killer approaches
This shot is used to show the perspective of both parties in showing the fear in the victim's face as they scramble to get away, and the danger of the killer approaching them. This makes the audience empathise with the victim as they can see that the victim is trapped and that they are probably going to die.
The power of suggestion
Using this shot allows the audience to interpret what has happened in the clip therefore they can have their own scenarios in their mind. It is also effective as it can engross the audience as it leaves a small cliffhanger for them.
How to Kill someone without hurting them
By using a camera angle in which you can only see the killer hitting the ground it gives the illusion that the killer is bringing the hammer down on the victim even though there isn't anyone there.